Shelf structure

Abstract

A shelf including upright columns and first and second horizontally-extending bars having ends connected to the columns. The column has side walls each defining at least one first hole and forming a first rib adjacent the first hole. The first bar is arranged in a first horizontal direction with the end connected to the column. The end of the first bar forms an end tab in which at least one first hook is formed and fit into the first hole of one of the side walls. The first hook has a surface forming a second rib. The second rib receivingly engages the first rib to strength the connection between the end of the first bar and the column. The second bar is arranged in a second horizontal direction with the end connected to the column. The end of the second bar forms an end tab in which at least one second hook if formed and fit into the first hole of another one of the side walls. The second hook has a surface in which a third rib is formed. The third rib receivingly engages the first rib to strength the connection between the end of the second bar and the column.

1. A shelf comprising upright columns and first and second horizontally-extending bars having ends connected to the columns and the improvements comprising:
 the column comprising at least first and second side walls each of the first and second side walls having at least one first hole, a first rib being formed on the side wall adjacent each of the at least one first hole;  
 the first bar being arranged in a first horizontal direction with an end thereof connected to the first side wall of the column, the end of the first bar forming an end tab having at least one first hook formed and sized to fit into a first side wall hole of the at least one the first hole of the first side wall, the first hook comprising a surface having a second rib receivingly engaging the first rib adjacent to the first side wall hole to strengthen a connection between the end of the first bar and the column;  
 the second bar being arranged in a second horizontal direction with an end thereof connected to the second side wall of the column, the end of the second bar forming an end tab having at least one second hook formed and sized to fit into a second side wall hole of the at least one first hole of the second side wall, the second hook comprising a surface having a third rib receivingly engaging the first rib adjacent to the second side wall hole to strengthen a connection between the end of the second bar and the column, the second bar forming a support flange.  
 
   
   
     2. The self as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the side wall defines a plurality of first holes adjacent to and spaced from each other, each of the at least one first hole of the first side wall is adjacent to and spaced from one of the at least one first hole of the second side wall. 
   
   
     3. The shelf as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first hole has an inverted trapezoidal shape having a narrowed lower portion. 
   
   
     4. The shelf as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first rib of the column is raised. 
   
   
     5. The shelf as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second rib of the first hook of the first bar is recessed. 
   
   
     6. The shelf as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the third rib of the second hook of the second bar is recessed. 
   
   
     7. The shelf as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising at least one positioned on and supported by the support flanges of the second bars. 
   
   
     8. The shelf as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the end tabs of the first and second bars each define a second hole whereby when the first and second hooks of the first and second bars are fit into the first holes, the second holes align with next ones of the first holes. 
   
   
     9. The shelf as claimed in  claim 8  further comprising a pin extending through each of the second holes and the associated first hole. 
   
   
     10. The shelf as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the pin comprises an L-shaped body and an expanded portion formed at an end of the L-shaped body, the expanded portion being larger than the second hole.